WSC Regular Service Project for the Intellectually Disabled

Welfare Services Club (WSC) runs a few Regular Service Projects, one of which is for the Intellectually Disabled. This Regular Service Project currently involved working together with WestEnd, one of the project groups under MINDS Youth Group (MYG), to conduct weekly sessions for beneficiaries with intellectual disability. The session comprises of Sing-along warm up, Curricular Development Training (CDT), Physical and Recreational Training (PRT) and a Tea Break. Ultimately with the aim of helping these beneficiaries integrate into our society and for them to gain open employment. OVE was extremely grateful to be given the opportunely to take part in one of this session. From the session, we took pleasure in both how much we are able to see and learn as well as knowing the differences we have made.

I find the experience an eye opening one. I had never interacted with an intellectually disabled before and like many people, I have the misconception of them being rowdy and unpredictable. However, the session showed me otherwise. It was rather fun interacting with them. By the end of the day, it was also comforting and satisfying to see them opening up to me. The visit also showed me how much we had taken basic things like communicating for granted. I am now definitely more appreciative of what I have.

-Apple Lee

Participating in the session was an eye opener for me. Prior to it, I have had no experience in interacting with the intellectually disabled. I could remember so vividly the first time I saw an intellectually disabled boy who was unable to react appropriately out of his own volition. Since then, I have the mentality that I won’t be able to understand them.

However from this session, being attached with an intellectual disabled man, it gave me so much insights about them. I have learned that unlike us, they have little to no control over how they behave or react in a given situation. Their ability to induct information is hampered by their disability. They are also more adept at expressing themselves openly when it comes to what attracts or displeases them. I also witness a beneficiary who can paint better than I do, they are very much just like us. The common stereotype of the intellectually disabled not able to contribute to the society is wrong and must go. They all can contribute in some way. It is only right for us as abled humans to do our part to assist them in identify and nurturing their talents.

- Danish Choo